Area 3 Survey: Commercial Centers

WHAT THE COMMUNITY SAID

Area 3 residents often express a strong desire for new retail in general, and grocery stores, in particular. In the Kick-Off Survey, residents also indicated a desire for “walkable, mixed-use” commercial centers. Centers come in many shapes and sizes, but usually have certain elements in common (see the list below). Where are the best locations for commercial centers in Area 3?

Walkable Commercial Centers

While many of us may not be used to seeing walkable commercial centers, cities have been built that way for hundreds of years. It is only within the last few decades that we have been building the strip commercial corridors and regional malls that everyone must drive to. Today more consumers are shopping online. Buyers are seeking a unique experience when visiting a store in person. Walkable commercial centers can provide this.

Many historic neighborhoods still have the basic structure needed for these walkable commercial centers, and communities across the country are returning to this type of pedestrian-friendly, clustered layout for new commercial development.

Walkable Commercial Centers are:

The most densely developed parts of a community

Located on major corridors

Often clustered around a public park or civic building

Community focal points

Community gathering spaces

Centers can include:

Retail, office, civic, housing, light industrial uses

Public art and landscaping

Sidewalks

Buildings close to the sidewalk

Shared parking

Transit stops

Explore Existing Commercial Areas

Click the image to navigate to the Area 3 Story Map, then click the "Commercial Centers" tab. Use the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons to zoom in and out.

Retail and Grocery Stores

The lack of healthy food choices – food deserts – has been expressed by Area 3 residents. However, getting new retail or just one new full-service grocery store in an area can be challenging. (See Economic Factors below) Even if a full service grocery store is not feasible right now, it could be accommodated at a later date in a commercial center as that center grows or redevelops over time to accommodate new uses.

For areas where a full-service grocery store is not feasible, other types of grocery stores could be a good fit.

Examples, such as those seen in the images below, can each serve some of a community’s grocery needs until the market is strong enough to support a full-service grocery.

What do Retailers Consider?

Example Images

St. Elmo Commercial Center

Glass Street Commercial Center

Farmers markets can be located in commercial centers.

Historically, delicatessens and corner stores were common.

Local farmers and community gardens provide seasonal goods.

Bakeries and other small shops can fill some grocery needs.

Restaurants can highlight local culture and healthy food options.

COMMERCIAL CENTERS: CONCLUSION

Changes in the retail market, local population, income, and other factors all affect the viability of new commercial businesses. Over time, walkable Commercial Centers can provide a variety of community needs (shopping, dining, housing, jobs) and serve as the focal point and community gathering space for neighborhoods.